Arsenal remain active in this summer’s transfer market and seem to have plans extending into 2025 as well.
The Gunners have turned David Raya’s loan into a permanent move and added Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in this window. According to Fabrizio Romano, they have also agreed on a fee with Real Sociedad for Mikel Merino, making the Spanish midfielder likely the next addition this summer.
While Arsenal fans are hoping for more signings in this window, reports from Football Transfers suggest that the club has already made a significant decision for the future.
Arsenal plan to release Thomas Partey in 2025.
Partey, signed from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has proven to be a world-class player, but his time at Arsenal has been marred by injuries. Previous reports suggested that manager Mikel Arteta was frustrated with Partey’s injury record and considered selling him, but it seems unlikely this late in the window.
Partey is expected to stay at Arsenal for the upcoming season, but the club has reportedly decided not to offer him a new contract beyond next summer. His current deal expires in July 2025, meaning Arsenal will part ways with him before the 2025/26 season.
For now, Partey, praised as an “unbelievable” player by Yaya Toure on talkSPORT, will remain at Arsenal and contribute to their goals this season. However, his role could change.
As Arsenal start their Premier League campaign against Wolves, Partey may be in the starting lineup alongside Declan Rice in midfield. Despite his potential to form a strong partnership with Rice, the expected arrival of Merino could see Partey drop to the bench.
Arsenal is likely to use a midfield trio of Rice, Merino, and Odegaard if Merino’s transfer is finalized. While this may limit Partey’s playing time, he will still be an important squad member and must be ready when called upon.
